Machine for making prefabricated steel structural members



Nov. 24, 1953 o. H. LUCY 2,660,203

MACHINE FOR MAKING PREFABRICATED STEEL STRUCTURAL MEMBERS Filed May 15, 1949 10 Sheets-Sheet l INVENTOR.

BY N 07m Mow/220 lac) Nov. 24, 1953 o. H. LUCY MACHINE FOR MAKING PREFABRICATED STEEL STRUCTURAL MEMBERS l0 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed May 13, 1949 INVENTO-IZQ. Ova/62014020 [ucY Nov. 24, 1953 o. H. LUCY 2,660,203

MACHINE FOR MAKING PREFABRICATED STEEL STRUCTURAL MEMBERS Filed May 15, 1949 10 Sheets-Sheet 3 INVENTOR. Urro //0wmep lacy Nov. 24, 1953 2,660,203

0. H. LUCY MACHINE FOR MAKING PREFABRICATED STEEL STRUCTURAL MEMBERS Filed May 15, 1949 10 Sheets-Sheet 4 INVENTOR. 0770 #0141420 [ucr Nov. 24, 1953 0. H. LUCY MACHINE FOR MAKING PREFABRICATED STEEL STRUCTURAL MEMBERS l0 Sheets-Sheet 5 Filed May 13, 1949 INVENTOR. Urra fi ormeo lac) flzfo rn qy VIII Nov. 24, 1953 o. H. LUCY 2,660,203

MACHINE FOR MAKING PREFABRICATED STEEL STRUCTURAL MEMBERS Filed May 15, 1949 l0 Sheets-Sheet 6 STRUT COLLITT CENTER uu: onru'r curmv.

v p INVENTOR. B3 r 07-70 #mmeo Zucr 6 L Tub Louamon con-U1:

CENEELINE OF JOGOLE Cl-N'l'fl! LII! OF WELD CENTER LINE OF IfUD CUTTER Nov. 24, 1953 o. H. LUCY MACHINE FOR MAKING PREFABRICATED STEEL STRUCTURAL MEMBERS l0 Sheets-Sheet 7 Filed May 15, 1949 76 WELD/N6 Pas/r10 INVENTOR. Orro l/owneo [ucY O. H. LUCY MACHINE FOR MAKING PREFABRICATED Nov. 24, 1953 STEEL STRUCTURAL MEMBERS l0 SheetsSheet 8 Filed May 15, 1949 Nov. 24, 1953 o. H. LUCY MACHINE FOR MAKING PREFABRICATED STEEL STRUCTURAL MEMBERS l0 Sheets-Sheet 9 Filed May 15, 1949 INVEN TOR. 01m Mum/e0 lucr J/farzzgy sgw 1 LUYREN Nov. 24, 1953 o. H. LUCY 2,660,203

MACHINE FOR MAKING PREFABRICATED STEEL STRUCTURAL MEMBERS Filed May 15, 1949 10 SheetsSheet l0 4 OF 14m Mule- 5;.57544 AIR CYL. OPERATING JTRUT TRANSFZR TR UGII 6 TRU T DRGFPEE MR2: J onna'nur. en. 16

32 cyfiydfl r m 2 A $1 @5 b yaz 6 IN VEN TOR. 077a //0WA2D lacy Patented Nov. 24, 1953 UNITED STATE MACHINE FOR MAKING PREFABBIOATED STEEL STRUCTURAL MEMBERS ()tto Howard Lucy, Whittier, Califi, assignor, by mesne assignments, to Herman Robert Triplett,

Whittier, Calif.

Application May 13, 1949, Serial No. 93,051

3 Claims.

This invention relates to and has for an object the provision of a machine and method for fabricating structural units particularly adapted for use as components of completely prefabricated panels for reinforcement of concrete structures.

Prefabricated reinforcing panels are formed with relatively horizontal and vertical members uniformly spaced apart lengthwise and crosswise of the panels at distances generally conforming to the spacing of studs in a wooden frame and the members thereof are of a length and width which are multiples of the spaces between corresponding members.

The panels are formed with corresponding parallel members which are herein referred to as studs and relatively right angular mem bers herein referred to as rods. The studs may be disposed either horizontally or vertically in the panels and are of composite character. Each stud includes a pair of parallel rods spaced apart throughout its length as by means of short spacers which are preferably of the same cross sectional form and size as the parallel rods to which they are preferably welded for providing a rigid unit which when arranged fiatwise and disposed horizontally or edgewise and disposed vertically in a panel and in either case welded at points of intersection to the relatively right angular rods of the panel provide a rigid panel structure of variable length and height capable of reinforcing a concrete wall or floor when imbedded therein.

Hence, a primary object of this invention is to provide an automatically operative machine which is arranged to fabricate the composite studs from wire which is fed to and through the machine and successively cut, feed and weld the spacers to the two spaced parallel rods and cut the completed studs of predetermined length and width in a continuing sequence of operations, and in readiness for receiving the relatively right angular rods for completion'of the panels.

Another object is to provide a comprehensive system of hydraulic and air operated media under electrical control for effecting the timed and successive forming, welding and cutting operations in regular sequence.

It is a further object to form the parallel rods of the studs with inwardly bent portions at their points of junction with the spacers therebetween and of such a depth as to accommodate the relatively right angular rods of the panel in substantially the same plane as the stud rods, and, to such end to provide means in the machine for thus forming the stud rods prior to the welding of the spacers thereto. V

A still further object is to provide means for straightening the wires as they are unwound from reels and advanced to operative positions to the forming means and more .maintaining the 1 straightness of the wires are they are moved through the machine.

I have shown a preferred embodiment of the invention in the accompanying drawings, subject to modification within the scope of the appended claims, without departing from the spirit of the invention. In said drawings:

Fig. 1 is a side elevational view of a satisfactory type of machine embodying my invention;

Fig. 2 is a front elevational view as viewed in the direction of arrow 2 in Fig. 1;

Fig. 3 is a side elevational view in the plane of Fig. 1 showing a wire straightening mechanism through which the Work is fed in parallel lines into operation with successive elements of the machine;

Fig. l is a plan view of the straightening mechanism as viewed in the direction of arrow 4 in Fig. 3;

Fig. 5 is a side elevational view of a hydraulic feeding unit;

Fig. 6 is a cross sectional view of the same on line 6-6 of Fig. 5;

Fig. 7 is a fragmentary sectional view in the plane of line 1-! of Fig. 6;

Fig. 8 is a transverse elevational view of a forming unit for recessing the parallel rods of the studs at corresponding points;

Fig. 9 is a fragmentary transverse section of the forming dies on line 9-9 of Fig. 8;

Fig. 10 is a fragmentary plan view of the forming dies of Fig. 8 with the straightened dies in position for a forming operation, as viewed in the direction of arrow it of Fig. 9;

Fig. 11 is a transverse elevational view of a welding unit on line il-l l of Fig. 1;

Fig. 12 is a sectional elevation of one of the welders of the welding unit shown in Fig. 11;

Fig. 13 is an elevational view, partly in section, of a vise for holding the spacers during a welding operation;

Fig. 14 is another view of the mechanism of Fig. 13 as viewed in the direction of the arrow I4 of Fig. 13;

Fig. 15 is a sectional elevation of a spacer feed-y ing mechanism arranged for delivering the spacers intermittently to the vise of Fig. 13 prepartory to welding operations;

Fig. 16 is an external view of the same;

Fig. 17 is a transverse elevational view on line llll of Fig. 1 showing automatically operative shears for severing successive sections of coupled studs;

Figs. 18 and 19 are, respectively, transverse sectional views of the shearing mechanism on lines l8l8 and l9i9 of Fig. 17';

Fig. 19A is a longitudinal sectional view of a plug valve typical of valves employed in the hydraulic operating mechanism for feeding the work to successive operat1ng positions;

Fig. 19B is a diagram indicating different po sitions of the pieces of work in a complete operating cycle;

Figs. 20 and 21 are, respectively, end elevational views of the strut or spacer feed mechanism on lines 2il2ll and 2 l2i of Fig.2;

Fig. 22 is a transverse elevational view of the spacer shear mechanism on line 22-22 of Fig. 2;

Fig. 23 is another transverse View of the spacer shear as seen in the direction of arrow -23 in Fig. 2;

Fig. 24 is a plan View of the spacer feed mechanism on line 22-24 of Fig. 2;

v Fig. 25 is an elevational view of the same on line 25-25 of Fig. 2;

Fig. 26 is a plan view of the spacer feed mechanism as viewed in the direction of arrow 26 in Fig. 2;

Fig. 2'7 is a diagram of the hydraulic system;

Fig. 28 is an electric circuit diagram'showing all controls and interconnections; V

Fig. 29 is a diagram showing air operatedi'zontrols and interconnections;

Fig. 30 is a plan view of a section of stud fabricated by the method and means of my invention;

Fig. 31 is a perspective view of a section of fabricated reinforcing panel with studs produced by the means of this invention incorporated therein;

Fig. 32 is a cross sectional view of a stud on line 32-32 of Fig. 30.

A machine for producing fabricated units of the character herein disclosed includes asuitable frame F on which, as viewed in Fig. l and progressing from right to left, are mounted a wire straightening unit A,a primary wire feeding unit B, a forming unit C, a welding unit D, and a primary shearing unit E. Also, mounted on frame F, as shown in Fig. 2, there are provided a secondary wire straightening unit G, a feeding unit H, a secondary shearing unit and an air operated mechanism K for feeding severed spacers in succession to the welding unit D.

The primary feeding unit is arranged to feed wires W, previously straightened by the unit A and feed from reels (not shown) rearwardly of unit A in the same horizontal plane, while the pair of wires are transversely spaced apart, into successive positions relative to units C, D and E, and thence, following completion of each operating cycle, to discharge thecompleted studs from the machine for further disposition.

The secondary feeding unit H similarly feeds a single wire W to the shearing unit J where short sections of the wire are severed and, by means of unit K, are delivered to transverse positions between two wires W while they are supported in the welding unit D. Thus, as will hereinafter appear, fabricated studs 8 of the form shown in Fig. 30 will be formed withparallel longitudinal rods S1, S1 and transverse spacers S2, S2, etc., at regularly spaced intervals, recessed at points S3 adjacent the ends of spacers S2 and welded at the junction points S4.

Inasmuch as it is both desirable and economical, the studs S including their rods S2 and spacers S2 are formed of wire, of preferably three-eighths of an inch cross sectional diameter, and as the two strands of wire W, W are payed out from reels (not shown), straightening of the wires is expeditiously effected by the unit A by the em loyment of separate straightening elements for the wires.

Unit A includes two groups of peripherally grooved rollers A1 and A2 disposed horizontally with one set of rollers on one side and the other set on an opposite of each wire W and similarly rotatable on a bed A3 of frame F on pins or bolts A4, A4, etc. Unit A also includes two groups of peripherally grooved rollers A5 and As respectively below and above each wire W and carried by a base A7 on pins or bolts As. As shown in Figs. 3 and 4, the rollers A1-A2 and A5A6 are staggered in positions and are arranged tandem fashion so as to align the grooves of all of the grooves of all sets of rollers with the operative positions of wires W in units B, C, D and E.

The primary wire feeding unit B (in 5) includes a horizontal cylinder B1 supported on end brackets B2, 132, a piston B3 slidable in the cylinder and having a forwardly extended stem B4 which is fixed to a cross head B5 bearing a pair of collets Be, Be for receiving the parallel wires W, W. Each of said collets has a frictional gripping device B7 (Fig. 7) which engages a wire W to move the wire forwardly but permits retraction of the collet on the wire preparatory to a subsequent forward movement of the wire. Said gripping device includes a free rolling pin B9 movable in an inclined slot B9 of each collet body and urged into gripping position on a wire W by a bifurcated arm B19 which rocks on an anchor screw B11 borne by the collet and is tensioned by a compression spring B12, as shown in Fig. 7.

The pair of collets B6 are transversely adjustable on cross head B5 as by providing reduced portions B13 on the collets which are extended through an elongated slot B14 in cross head B5 and may be held in adjusted position by nuts 1315. The spacing of the collets corresponds to the spacing of the wires W, W for forming the studs S (Fig. 30) of desired width.

Cross head Ba has hubs B16, B19 which are fixed to parallel horizontal rods B17, B17, respectively, as the ram B3 is alternately advanced and retracted, and to such end the cross head is fixed at "a hub B17 to stem B2 of the ram. Rods B17 are slidably supported on spaced fixtures B18, 1318.

A pair of control valves B19 and B29 are mounted adjacent the front and rear ends, respectively, of cylinder Brand are arranged to receive fluid from a source through inlet tubes B21 and B22, respectively. Said valves are connected with the front and rear ends of cylinder- B1 by pipes B23 and B21 and fittings B29 and B29, respectively, and said fittings have exhaust tubes B27 and B22 leading therefrom back to a reservoir of fluid.

Valves B19 and B29 are operated alternately by means of a rod B29 which is actuated by cross head as itapproaches the forward and rearward limit of its stroke. Rod B29 is slidable in supports B30 and B31 which aresuitably mounted on the bodies of valves B19 and B20, respectively, and also slides in a slot B32 of cross head B5. Rod B29 carries arms B33 and B34 adjustable thereon for engagement with the valve stems B35 and B36, and also at its forward end has an adjustable nut B27 whereby the valves are actuated by rod B29 as cross head B5 reciprocates, for applying fluid pressure to ram B2 in opposite directions. For example, when ram B3 and cross head B5 are completely retracted, valve B12 is closed by engagement of arm B33 with stem B25 while valve B20 is opened to permit application of fluid pressure therethrough to the rear side of ram B3, thereby forcing the ram B3 and cross head B5 forwardly. As the ram nears the end of its forward stroke, cross head B5 engages nut B37, forces rod B29 forwardly, opens valve B19 and by engagement of arm Bar with stem B36, closes valve B20, thereby reversing the stroke of the ram and cross head. As the ram moves forwardly, the fluid ahead of the ram in cylinder B1 is exhausted through fitting B25 and tube B27. Similarly as the ram moves rearwardly in its cylinder, the fluid behind the ram is exhausted through fitting B26 and tube B28.

Thus, the gripping devices B7 on the collets B6 simultaneously grip and advance the two parallel wires W, W to initial joggle position between the forming dies of unit C or therebeyond to a desired extent and thereafter and successively in step-by-step movements from one position to another to a predetermined extent as controlled by the stroke on the ram B3. Certain electrical switches and actuating elements therefor are associated with the valves B19 and B20 which will be hereinafter described in detail with reference to the circuit diagram shown in Fig. 28 and the compressed air and hydraulic systems shown in Figs. 29 and 2'7, respectively.

Referring now to Figs. 8, 9 and 10, I will describe the hydraulically operated die forming unit C which is accomplished at the initial position for operation on the work and is effective for providing recesses in the stud wires S1, S1 at opposite points on the wires W, W in a single operation of the die unit.

Unit C (Fig. 10) includes a fixed central die member C1 and relatively movable die members C2 and Ca. Member C1 has similar outer recessed faces and members C2 and C5 have similar beaded faces between which the recessed faces of member C1 the pair of wires W, W are adapted to be extended preceding each forming operation for providing the recesses S2 in the studs S (Fig. 30). All of the die members may include one or more blocks or plates, one or more of which may be removed or added to properly position the die faces to correspond to the space between wires W, W and the width of studs S.

The die unit is mounted on transversely spaced brackets C5, C5 bolted to frame F and cross connected by top rail or rails C5 and a lower rail C7. Rails C7 have horizontal slots Cs, CB through wires W, W extend in the horizontal plane of the collets B6, B6, and the fixed die member C1 is borne by rails C7 and secured by bolts 02'.

The movable die members C2 and C3 are secured to blocks C9 and C10, respectively, which are in turn fixed to horizontal plungers C11 and C12. One or more spacer blocks C13 of the same or different thickness are carried by said plungers, the number and thickness of which is influenced by the size of the central die member C1 and the spacing of wires W, W.

The plungers are similarly and simultaneously operated, each by a hydraulic ram C14 including a piston (not shown) with an extended stem C15 which is commonly pivoted at C16 to adjacent ends of a pair of toggle links C17 and C18 while the inner ends of links C18 are pivoted at C19 to plungers C11 and C12, respectively, and the outer ends of links C17, C17 are pivoted at C20 to the extended end portions of rails C7.

Each ram C14 is pivoted at C21 to a stationary portion C22 of frame F so that the ram may swing slightly during the opening and closing of the toggles. Each ram has an upper fluid inlet C23 and a lower inlet C24 arranged for connection with a fluid source so that as fluid is delivered to the rams under pressure through inlets C24, the pistons thereof will raise in their cylinders, close the toggles C17--C1s and force the plungers C11 and C12 inwardly with the movable die members and bend the wires W, W while said wires are confined between the stationary die member and the movable die members and thereby provide the recesses S2 of studs S.

When fluid is admitted to the rams through inlets C23, the pistons are lowered in their cylinders, the toggle joints are broken and the plungers and associated die members are retracted preparatory for a succeeding operation.

The flow of fluid to the rams C14 is regulated by electrically actuated valves and the operation thereof will be described with reference to Figs. 27 and 28 hereinafter.

The ensuing operation upon wires W, W follows the cutting and delivery of short sections of a third strand of wire which is fed laterally into the machine and said sections are dropped individually into position in the welding unit D for simultaneously welding the ends of said sections to the wires W, W.

Inasmuch as at the time of a welding operation a short section S2 has been previously out from a wire W and delivered to unit D before continuing with a welding operation, the movement of wire W and delivery to the welding unit will be described, as follows: A group of straightening rollers arranged in staggered sets A1 and A2 followed by a second group of rollers A5 and A5, similarly staggered, are provided between which the wire W is threaded for straightening the wire in alignment with a hollow stem H1 of a piston (not shown) which reciprocates in a cylinder H2 of a hydraulically operable feeding unit H which is supported on spaced brackets H5, H5 secured to frame F. Wire W is extended entirely through stem H1 and is gripped by a collet H3 bearing a gripping device H4 of the character of that shown in Fig. 7 and employed on collets B6 of the primary dual wire feeding unit B. Opposite ends of cylinder H2 are supplied with fluid through inlets He and H7 leading from valves He and H9, respectively, said valves being connected with a source of fluid by means of pipes H10 and H11, respectively. Valves He and H2 are electrically actdated as hereinafter described, but primarily through the reciprocation of an actuating rod H10 which is slidable on supports H5, H5 and is slidably moved by means of an arm H12 fixed to stem H1, and alternately engageable with spaced nuts H13 and H14 on rod H10 (Fig. 26).

The feeding unit H thus advances wire W in the direction of the welding unit D in step-bystep movements so that successive sections of the wire will be presented for cutting spacer sections S2 by means of the shearing unit J which is shown in Figs. 2, 22 and 23. Said shearing unit includes a mounting J secured to frame F, a ram J2 hinged at J3 to said mounting and pivotally secured to a crank arm J4 which in turn is pivotally carried on mounting J1. Ram J2 is tensioned by a sprin J secured to frame F.

A stationary blade J is secured to mounting J1 as by means of bolts J6 and a movable blade J1 is slidably supported on the mounting for :movement over the face of blade J5. Blade J:5 is pierced to permit extension of wire W theret-hrough and bladeJw has an elongatedradial slot .Je therein to accommodate the movement ofan eccentric crank pin J9 carried on the heel of arm J4. Thus, at each operating thrust of the stem J of ram J2, arm J4 is swung downwardly as viewed in Fig. 23 and blade Jr is moved to the right so that its cutting edge engages wire W and shears ofi a section of wire to form a strut or spacer S2. A strut holder J11 is provided forwardly of the shearin blades for temporarily holding the severed struts (Fig. .25) until they are ejected in a succeedin operation by engagement of the front end of wire W therewith, as and for the purpose hereinafter explained. The connections of ram J2 with the hydraulic system and the electrical controls for the fluid valves will be described in connection with the hydraulic and electrical .cliagralns of Figs. 27 and 28, respectively.

In Figs. 24 and 25 I have shown a mechanism K for receiving and transferringthe severedstruts S2 from the shearing unit J to the welding unit D. Unit K includes a frameKi with acompressed air cylinder K2 :mounted thereon and provided with air inlets K3 and K4 at opposite sides :of a piston (not shown) and through the inner end of which a hollow piston stem K5 extends. Frame K1supports a trio'cf parallel rods Ks connectedat their forward ends by a bar K7, for slidably supporting a strut transfer tray K8 in a plane such that the longitudinal groove K9 on its upper side will at times align with struts .182 as (they are ejected from the .holder .Jn of the shearing unit J. Rods Ks 'slidably receive .isleeves :Kn of tray K2 and limit the outward thrust of :the tray K2 by engagement with stops .Kro borne by .rods K6 to .a position of alignment with holderJnasillustrated in .Fig. 2,5, while the retractive :Inovement thereof is limited by engagement with a rear flange: of .frame K1, :or -.otherwise.

.Pistonstem K5 is secured to a dep nding lu K12 of tray K2 and thusservesto move the tray between positions .of alignment with holder .J 11 andan elongated tube K12 which extendstrana versely on :frame Ftirom frame 1K1 to a pointed jacent the welding unit LD. Hence, as a strut is ejected from holder J11 upon tray 1K2, .said :tray is shifted :from strut receiving position to strut ejecting position in registration with time K12 :by means of the compressed air unit K2 anda blast of air is directed against the trailin send or :the strut under control of a solenoid actuated valve K14 froman air outlet K15 whichisfimaxialelignment with .the :strut and with .tube .Kn. 'ilihe blast of air is of gsufficient force :and zdnration :to eject thestrut from the tray .Ka into and drive the same completely through tube Km andthence therefrom into a dropping unit :L :(Figs. .15 and 16) which is mounted slightly IQJhOYB'fthB welding unit D.

.The leading end-of thestrut :delivery tube 1K1: opens .into an end of an .elongatedly channelled receiver 'L1 which is. adjustably mountedoma. sta.- tionary :plate .of frame F as by :means .of :one or more screws and isarranged with a-pair of parallel .detents L5 ,and L2 having longitudinally disposed-bodies of arcuate cross sectionandmounted one above the other (Figs. 15 and 6). said detents are pivotal y mou t d on t opposite ends of member L1 on trunnions L7 and L2, respectively, and are connected for simultaneous rotation in opposite directions by gears L9 and L10 fixed to adjacent arms L11 and L12 at the opposite ends of members L5 and L5 (Fig. 16). A central -a-rm L13 extends from member L5 and is pivoted at L 4 to a piston stem L15 extended from a piston (not shown) of a compressed air operating unit L16 which is electrically operated by a solenoid L11 for dropping successive struts in single .file procession into welding position and restraining a second strut from dropping out of turn.

A strut delivered from tube K13 is ejected endwise into the channel of member L1 and temporaril y rests upon the upper detent L5 until detent L5 is retracted by the downward thrust of stem L but as detent L5 is retracted, the lower detent L6 is extended inwardly to a position beneath the then released strut which is thereby prevented from dropping into welding position. A retraotive movement of stem L15 again moves the detent L5 into position for receiving a succeeding strut from tube K13 while detent La is retracted and permits the dropping of the strut then resting upon it into welding position on unit D.

The welding unit 13, as shown in Figs. 11 to 14 inclusive, includes a :pair of transversely aligned electric welders D1, D1 of the character and type shown in Fig. 12. Each welder D1 is associated with a hydraulic ram D2, the piston stem D5 or which is effective for extending the electrodes D4 into respective contact with-the two wires, W, W which are positioned on a supporting bed D5 on opposite sides of a central vise composed of a stationary jaw member -D6 and a relatively movable jaw member D1 (Fig, 13) hinged at D2 to member De. Thus, while the two wires W W are longitudinally disposed on the vise, the struts S2 are dropped from unit L into gripping position between blocks D2 and D9 while the jaws D6 and D0 .are open and are held in a position at right angles to and between the wires W, W.

The vise is operated by a hydraulic ram D10, the piston stem of which is pivoted at D11 to jaw D7 and the ram is bodily pivoted at D12 on frame F so as to compensate for the pivotal movement of jaw D1. Following the closing of the vise with a strut and a pair of wires W, W in properly abutting position thereon, fluid pressure is applied to the welders D1, D1 from rams D2, D2 which receive pressure from a source through tubes D13 and the electrodes are thrust into contact with Wires -W W and the struts S2 are butt welded simultaneously to both-of said wires. Ram D10 receives and exhausts fluid through a tube D14 which is-connected with a source of fluid under pressure.

The rams D2, D2 are stationarily supported on brackets D15, D15 while the welders D1, D1 are movably supported on bearings D15, D10 and are bodily slidable with their electrodes D4 into and from welding positions. Each welder D1 includes a-tip holder D11 held in a sleeve D12 and secured thereto as by means of a screw D19. Sleeve D12 is insulated from holder D11 by an insulating sleeve D20 and is similarly insulated by a disc D21 between the trailing end of the holder and. a sleeve closure D22 which is welded to sleeve D12 and is connected with the piston stem of ram D2 by means of an adaptor D22 so as to effect bodily movement of the welder when the piston is .reciprocated. Pref- 9 erably sleeve D18 is keyed to the leading bracket D15 by a key D24 operating in an elongated slot D25 of sleeve D18, so as to prevent rotation of said sleeve in its supporting brackets.

Holder D17 is axially bored at D26 and counterbored on a taper at D27 for receiving an electrode D4 which is correspondingly tapered and removably seats in counterbore D27. A water tube D28 is screwed into a tapped hole at the trailing end of holder D17 and extends axially through bore D26 and into a bore D29 of electrode D4 so that water from a radial inlet D30 may circulate through the tube and bores D26, D27 and D29 and thence outwardly through an outlet D31 in a jumper terminal D32. Said terminal has threaded contact with holder D12 and a cable D33 leads therefrom with a flexible insulated sheath D34 to an output terminal of a transformer T by means of which electric current of desired potential different from that of a service system is supplied to and through the two electrodes D4, D4 for providing a welding are at a point of welding the struts S2 to the pair of wires W, W. Usually, a welding control unit T of conventional form and character is electrically connected with the transformer T for purposes well known in the arc welding art and hence will not be herein described in detail. Thus, as current flows from one terminal D32 to the other, through the electrodes D4, D4, the metal bodies between the electrodes are fused and the parts thereof permanently welded together. The welders D D1 are continuously cooled by the circulation of water therethrough.

The wires W, W forming the longitudinal members S1, S1 of studs S are simultaneously out by means of a special shearing apparatus E mounted at the output end offrame F and includes separate cooperating units E1, E1 formed of identical parts and similarly arranged. Each unit E1 is mounted on a bracket E2 fixed to the bed of frame F and includes a ram E3 which is pivotally held at E4 to swing on the upper extremity of mounting E2 and the extended stem E5 of its piston (not shown) in hinged at E6 to a crank E7 which is oscillatably held on mounting E2 on a shaft E2. The weight of units E1 is relieved by tension springs e which are suspended from frame F.

A pair of mating cutting jaws E9 and E10 are formed at the inner ends of levers E11 and E12, respectively, of each unit E1 and are pivotally mounted at points E13 and E14, respectively, on mounting E2. The jaws E9 and E 10 are so disposed that they will engage opposite points on the wires W, W. The lower arms E12 rest upon stop pins E15 at the bottoms of yokes E16 and are so held by tension springs E12 which are anchored to fixed arms E13 extended inwardly from mountings E2 and the upper ends of said springs are attached to arms E12. Similar springs serve to retract the upper jaws E9 upwardly. Yokes E16 have straps E19 bored to embrace eccentric discs E20 formed on shafts E8 and said discs are connected by eccentric pins E21. The eccentric pins E21 bear against and depress the arms E12 while the discs E20, through straps E19 both raise and lower the arms E12 as the rams E3 operate. Thus, in a cutting operation, the jaws E9 and E10 which are normally open are moved toward each other until completion of cuts in wires W, W. The thrust of piston stems E5 is limited and cushioned by means of pairs of parallel rods E22, E22, on each mounting E2 which are cross connected at their inner ends by bars E211. Said rods E22 are supported in sleeves'E24 fixed to mountings E2 and carry cushioning springs E25, E25 which compress between said sleeves and nuts E26, E26 on said rods.

Each cycle of operation from home position includes a series of steps effected under control of a stepping switch to final position and a new cycle begins each time the main feed unit B moves the wires W, W to the extent of one bay (sixteen inches preferably) during which all of the units of the mechanism are operated in succession or in turn, except the main shearing unit E which operates selectively upon the completion of a predetermined number of cycles and the welding of a corresponding number of spacers S2 to said wires. Let it be understood that when the mechanism is under home conditions, all of the units are at rest and retracted in readiness for a succeeding cycle of operations. When the main feed unit 13 moves forwardly at the beginning of th first step in a cycle, the collets Ba, Ba grip the pair of wires W, W and move them to a predetermined extent at the initial and all subsequent operations, but prior to an initial operation thereof, the Wires W, W will have been first manually threaded through the straightening unit A and to a point slightly beyond the forming unit C and the forming unit C also manually operated by closing a' suitable electric switch to be hereinafter described, thereby positioning the Wires W, W for automatic and successive uniform step-by-step movements.

In the meantime, the spacer feed wire unit H will have been independently and manually operated for advancing a cut spacer to position the welder unit D, during which advance the wire W will have been threaded through the straightener unit G, the strut feed unit H and automatically through the shearing unit J and a cut spacer delivered by unit K to the dropper unit L for deposit upon the welder between the then open jaws D8 and D9. 1 Shortly after the beginning of th initial forward movement of the collet bearing cross head B5 of unit B, the rods B17, B17 engage separate actuators of micro switches mounted on frame F,

and thereby, respectively, close the circuit of the strut dropping unit L and thus drop a then pres ent spacer into position between the jaws Da and D9 of the welder D, and close the jaws Da and D9 on the spacer, thus completing the first step.

The distance between the forming unit C and the welder D is the same as that between the spacers S2 of panel P (sixteen inches), hence, while the initially formed portions S4, S4 of wire W, W are still held in the vise DsD9 of the welder and following the deposit of a spacer S2 between portions S4, S4, a succeeding operation of unit C begins a second step for providing similar portions S4 in the wires W, W at a distance from the first formed portions which is equal to the distance between the units C and D.

coincidentally with the operation of unit C, the main feed element B5 and dropping unit L are retracted. At the-final operation of each step, the stepping switch M is actuated for initiating a succeeding step, hence at this point (and subsequently) the stepping switch is actuated, as hereinafter explained, to institute step three which begins with the operation of welder D and the inward thrust of the electrodes D3, D3 into contact with portions S4, S4 of wires W, W which, together with a spacer S3, is still held in the vise DS-D9 of the welder, and simultaneously therewith, the feed unit H advances and deposits a spacer in the transfer tray K9 of unit K. At the completion of the feed stroke and'a 11 welding operation, the stepping switch is again actuated, this time by the approach of stem H1 to the end of its strokeand actuation thereby of a micro-switch preparatory to a fourth step.

Step4 then ensues and is automatically operative for retracting main feed cross head B5, the forming die members C2 and C2, the electrodes D3, D3 of the welder D and the spacer clamping jaws D2 and D2. Simultaneously therewith, the spacer transfer blower K15 is operative for transferring a spacer $3 from tray K2 through delivery tube K13 to position in the dropper L onto the upper detent Ls (Fig. 13) from which it may be subsequently dropped to position between the welder clamping jaws D2 and D2, as before.

At this point in the operation of themachine, one cycle of operation will have been completed under the control of a cycle stepping switch M in step-by-step sub-operations while the preselected number of cycles necessary to produce studs of given length (numbers of spacers and intermediate bays) is controlled by a selector stepping switch M which is arranged to be manually set for any desired number of cycles. When, for instance, the selector stepping switch has been set. for producing studs S of 15 bays and 16 spacers at the completion of each step of a cycle, the cycle stepping switch will advance one point and at the end of the fourth step will return to home position. At the completion of each cycle, the selector stepping switch will advance one point and at the completion of the sixteenth cycle, will return to home position.

The fifth step in a cycle is occasioned only after completion of the fourth step in a final cycle and is effective only for operating the shearing unit E for severing a completed stud from the wires W, W. At the end of a shearing operation, micro-switches are actuated for retracting the shears and when the shearing elements Er approach completely retracted positions, electrical contacts are made which effect the homing of both the cycle and selector stepping switches.

Whereupon, after the severing of each complete stud S, both stepping switches are automatically operative for another series of cycles for producing successive studs S of uniform and predetermined length from the continuous wires W, W and the out spacers S3.

The units of the machine are operated by mechanical, hydraulic, pneumatic or electrical means, or combinations thereof. For example, certain units are controlled by electrically actuated valves for regulation of fluid pressure (air or liquid) to the power media, other units solely by valve actuated electric switches, and still other units by combinations of solenoid operated valves and valve actuated switches, all of which are disclosed in the drawings and will be hereinafter explained in detail with particular ref-- erence to Figs. 27, 28 and 29 which show, respectively', the hydraulic system, the electrical system and the compressed air system.

It may be understood that well known hydraulic, electric and pneumatic parts, fittings and devices are employed in all of said operating systems and are not shown and will not be described herein in detail because their functions are well known.

Referring first to Fig. 27, I will describe the hydraulic system. Water or other liquid is drawn from a reservoir or" settling tank through a pipe 2 by and through a pump 3, thence forced through a pressure line 4 to and through a pressure regulator 5 for maintaining a desired uniform pressure and back to the tank I through a pipe 6. All of the units B, C, D, E, H and J receive pressure from pipe 5 and exhaust the fluid either directly or indirectly through branches to pipe 6, as follows:

Fittings B25 and B26 of unit B receive fluid through branch pipes B21 and B22, respectively and discharge the fluid through pipes B22 and B22 connected with a secondary return pipe I, pipes B21 and B22 having solenoid controlled valves V1 and V2 connected therewith between pipe 4 and valves B12 and B22, respectively. Pipes B22 and B22 have similar solenoid controlled valves V3 and V4 connected therewith between fittings B23 and B24, respectively and pipe 1.

Cylinders C14, C12 of unit C are each supplied with fluid at corresponding ends through pipes C25, C25 connecting inlets C23, C23 with a common pipe C25 having a fitting C22 connecting pipe C26 with pressure pipe 4 through a pipe C22 and also with exhaust pipe 2 through a pipe C22. Solenoid controlled valves V2 and V6 are connected with C22 and C22, respectively, between fitting C22 and pipes 4 and 7. Similarly, the corresponding other inlets C22, C24 of cylinders C14, C14 are commonly connected with a pipe C30 which has a fitting C31 commonly connected with pipes C32 and C33 leading to pipes 4 and 1, respectively. Solenoid operated valves V2 and V2 are connected with pipes C32 and 02;, respectively, between fitting C31 and pipes 8 and '5.

Cylinder D12 of unit D receives fluid at its single inlet D14 from a fitting D32 which is commonly connected with pipes D36 and D32 leading, respectively, to pipes 4 and 1 and having solenoid valves V2 and V12 connected therewith between fitting D35 and pipes d and '1.

Cylinders D2, D2 of unit D have their inlets D13, D13 commonly connected with a fitting D32. a connecting pipe D32 and thence with pipes 4 and 1 by similar pipes D42, D42 and solenoid controlled valves V11 and V12 are connected with pipes D42, D40, respectively.

Cylinders E3, E3, of unit E have inlet pipes E22, E22 commonly connected with a fitting E22 and a short pipe E22 and thence through similar pipes E32 and E31 with pipes 4 and 'l but through solenoid operated valves V13 and V14.

Inlet pipes H12 and H11 of unit H are connected through solenoid operated valves V12 and V12 and H15 and H12, respectively, with pressure pipe d and at points between valves H2 and H2 and cylinder H2, said cylinder being connected with exhaust pipe 6 by pipes H12 and H12 through solenoid operated valves V12 and V18, respectively,

Cylinder J2 of unit J has its common inlet and outlet J12 connected at J13, through pipes J12 and J15 and solenoid operated valves V12 and V20, with pipes i and 6. Thus, with pipe I connected at 8 to pipe 5, fluid fed to the several units from tank I by pump 3, through pressure line 4, is exhausted into the main return pipe 6', all under control of the solenoid operated valves generally indicated at V on the drawing and of like character and arrangement, but otherwise individually identified in the preceding description.

The strut transfer unit K and delivery or dropper unit L are, as shown in Fig. 29, connected with and are adapted for pneumatic operation through the medium of a compressed air system including a pressure line In arranged for connection with a compressor or other source (not shown). Unit K, which is effective for laterally transferring a cut spacer from the shearing unit J to position for projection through tube K12 to the dropper unit L, has its cylinder K2 provided with inlet tubes K14 and K116 at its opposite extremities and said inlet tubes are connected through valves K16 and K17, respectively, and pipes K18 and K19 with pressure line H]. Said valves K16 and K17 are adapted for operation with the ram of unit H as it approaches opposite limits of its stroke and thus serve to control and effect reverse movement of the piston for sliding the tray Ks between strut receiving and ejecting positions.

Pipe ill has a manually operable shut-01f valve V21 between the source of compressed aid and its junction with pipe K19 and a blower pipe K16 leads from pipe I and also has a manually operable valve V22 therein and, in addition, a solenoid operated valve V22 near its outlet end whereby the blast of air from pipe K is timed and controlled for projecting the cut struts through tube K16 to dropper unit L. Valves K16 and K17 are opened to exhaust by pressure from cylinder K2 on exhaust strokes of the piston and are of conventional character.

Cylinder L16 of dropper unit L is supplied with pressure from opposite ends through pipes L18 and L19 which are connected with pipe l0 and with solenoid controlled valves V24 and V2.7, respectively. Pipe L19 is connected at L to an exhaust pipe L21 having a solenoid operated valve V29 connected with and for controlling the exhaust from one end of cylinder L16 through pipes L12 and L21, while the exhaust from the opposite end of said cylinder is through a pipe L22 and a solenoid controlled valve V26.

Thus, as air is admitted through pipe L12 under control of valve V24, exhaust valve V26 will be closed and as the piston in the cylinder moves away from the open inlet, air is exhausted through pipes L19 and L21 as valve V26 will then be open and valve V will be closed. On a reverse stroke of the piston, air will be admitted through inlet pipe L19 to cylinder L16 as valve V25 will then be open and exhaust valve V26 will be closed. Simultaneously therewith exhaust valve V26 will be open, inlet valve V24 will be closed and air will be exhausted from cylinder L18 through pipe L22 and valve V26 as the piston travels upwardly in its cylinder.

In considering the electrical system shown in the diagram of Fig. 28, it be understood that in the form of mechanism herein disclosed all of the steps of a cycle are performed by hydraulic, pneumatic or mechanical means except for actuating the stepping switches M and M and the solenoid controlled Valves which are operated electrically. The several steps of a cycle are controlled by mechanically actuated micro-switches or limit switches which are borne by either stationary or movablemembers and are actuated by engagement of their actuators with a movable or stationary member, respectively, whereby at an appropriate point in the operation of one unit the mechanism will be automatically set to instituteor carry out another or succeeding step of a cycle, or reverse the operation of a unit such as the main feed unit B. V

The electrical system is also arranged for total automatic or manual operation of its units whereby at any point in a cycle, when the mechanism is set for automatic operation, certain units may be manually operated, as when any step in a cycle may have been incomplete for any reason. For instance, at the beginning of 14 stud producing operations or if the supply of wire W should be replenished, the units B, C, D and E could be manually discontinued while the strut producing units H, J, K and L remain operative until a strut is placed in the dropper L or welder D, whereupon automatic operation may be resumed.

To such ends the electrical system shows in Fig. 28 all of the electrical controls except for the welding unit D and are mounted on a single panel being supplied with electric energy through lead in wires M1 and M2 and fuses M3 and M4 between which and a source a main switch M5 is connected. A rectifier M6 is provided for stepping down the current from -115 to 24 volts adaptable for energizing certain relays, etc., which will be hereinafter described. Rectifier M9 is connected by leads M7 and M9 from wires M1 and M2, respectively.

Line switches Me and M10 are connected with wires M2 and M1, respectively, switch M2 having a single pole bar M11 while switch M10 is double pole and has dual contact bars M12 and M13. Switch M2 is for manual control and switch M10 is for automatic control of operations. Hence, when switch M9 is open, switch M10 will be closed, and vice versa. Switch M9 is connected at a terminal mm by a wire 11212 with manually operable snap action toggle switches mm, mm, 171 15 and mm through branches M17, M19, M12 and M20, said toggle switches serving to individually control the operation of feed unit B, forming unit C, shearing unit E and retraction of said units, respectively. Switch mm has a terminal M21 co11- nected with a wire M22 leading to a terminal M23 of the cycle stepping switch M. A branch wire M21 from wire M22 and serves as a feeder for energizing the solenoid of and actuating the solenoid controlled valves of successive units B, D and J. A limit switch M25 is normally closed and is connected between wire M24 and valve solenoids V2 and V3 whereby both solenoids are controlled by switch M25 which in turn is mechanically opened at the end of a forward stroke of piston B3 of unit B by engagement of an arm B22 with stem B26 of valve B20 (Fig. 5).

Wire M22 also connects with a normally open limit switch M2 and, in addition, a normally closed limit switch M27 and current is supplied to valve solenoid V2 through switches M26 and M27, switch M27 being actuated by the upward thrust of cylinder D10 of unit D which operates the spacer clamping jaws D2 and D2 (Fig. 13). Switch M26 is closed by one of the cross head rods 3.17 as it approaches its fo-rwardmost limit of movement but before switch M25 is actuated.

Wire M24 also connects with valve solenoid V20 through a single normally closed limit switch M28 which is borne by cylinder J2 of spacer shearing unit J and is actuated by engagement with a part of piston stem J10 as shown in Figs. 22 and 23.

Switch mm has its terminal M29 connected with a wire M20 which parallels wire M22 and has a branch M21 paralleling branch Mn and connected with elements of and. for operating forming unit 0 and spacer feed Wire M21 is connected with valve solenoids V0 and V7 of unit C through a pair of series connected normally closed limit switches M22 and M33 (Fig. 8) which are actuated by the closing of, the forming dies by engagement with C12, C12 for opening the circuits of solenoids V6 and V7. Wire M20 extends to a terminal M35 of cycle stepping switch M.

Wire M31 also connects with valve solenoids V15 andV17 through a single-normally closed limit switch M51 which is opened by engagement of arm H11 of spacer feed unit l-I when the. piston stem H1 is at its rearmost position, as shown in Fig- 2- A terminal M55 of switch 77115 is connected with a wire M37 which extends to a terminal M55 oncycle stepping switch M and has a branch M39 leading to valve solenoid V12 of unit and is connected through a pair of normally closed series connected limit ewitchs M45 and M41 which are actuated by piston stems E of unit E (Fig. 1'7

Switch 17115 has a pair of terminals M42 and M53 connected with wires and 18/145, respectively. Wire M51 leads to aterminal M45 of cycle stepping switch hi and has a branch M47 leading to the main. shearing unit E for energizing valve solenoid V11 through a pair of normally closed limit switches 15 and M49 borne by cylinders E5, E5 which are actuated by and when piston stems E5, B5 are retracted. from the positions shown in Fig. 1?.

Wire M45 leads to a terminal M55 of cycle stepping switch M and has a branch M51 arranged for connection with valve solenoids of units B, C, D and J. Solenoids V1 and V4 of unit B are connected through a single normally closed limit switch M52 with wire M51. Solenoids V5 and V5 are connected with wire M51 through a pair of normally closed limit switches M53 and M54 borne by fixed member C21 and actuated by toggle arms 015 (Fig. 8).

Valve solenoid V12 01" unit D is connected with wire M51 through a pair of normally closed limit switches M55 and M55 which are actuated by elements D1, D1 of unit D. Valve solenoid V15 of unit D connects with wire M51 through a single normally closed limit switch M57.

Valve solenoids V15 of unit J and V25 of unit K connect with wire M51 through a normally closed limit switch M55 which is actuated by J15 of unit J upon the retraction of said stem.

The circuits of valve solenoids V2 and V5, V1 and V4 of unit B; V5 and V7, V5 and V5 of unit C; V12 and V15 of unit D; and V15 and V14 of unit E, and other valve solenoids as will hereinafter appear, all completed by a common power lead M55 under the influence of a toggle control switch M55 with which wire M55 is connected at a terminal M51. Switch M55 is arranged to cut out units B, C and D for discontinuing advance of wires W,,W while permitting the continued operations of units H, J, K and L as when for any reason it is necessary to synchronize the two groups of units fed by units B and H. A terminal M52 of switch M55 is connected by M55 with main lead M1. Thus the circuits of said valve solenoids are completed through switch M11 to main lead M2 and the solenoid and switch connections hereinbefore described for manual operation of the machine.

The valve solenoids V24 and V27 are commonly fed from lead M55 and are connected with a common return lead M54 through a normally closed limit switch M55 which is actuated by and when the dropper stem L15 moves downwardly and a normally open limit switch M55 which is actuated by a rod B17 of unit B (Figs. 5, 13 and 14). Solenoids V25 and V25 are also connected with wire M54 through a normally closed limit switch M57 which is actuated by and upon retraction of the dropper.

Wire M54 leads from a terminal M55 of a toggle switch M55 thence through wire M75 to wire M24 and completes the circuit of elements V24, V25,

16 V25 and V27 through a. return wire, M55 leading to and connected; with switch M55. Switch M55, however, is closed only when the machine is set forautomatic operation. Wire M54 is connected by a wire mm with wire M25 to switch mm for retracting the spacer dropper.

Valve solenoid V11 of unit D connects with wires M71 and M72. Wire M71 leads to a point of connection with a. wire M73 which connects a pair of relays R and R associated with the welder control circuit and under the influence of a conventional weld timer contactor unit D. Wire M72 leads to a point of connection M74 with a wire M75 having a branch connected with step three terminal M75 on the cycle stepping switch and is extended from said branch to and is connected by leads M77 and M72 to relays R and R, respectively.

Valve solenoid V5 connects with wire M71 and through switches M27 and M25 with wire M24.

A lead wire M75 extends from terminal M55 of switchv M15 to and for connection with elements of units H, K and J- as follows: Valve solenoids V15 and V15 connect with wire M75 and through a normally closed. limit. switch M51 with wire M72 and thence to cycle stepping switch M and relays R and R.

Valve solenoids V15 and V17 of unit I-I connect with wire M79 and through switch M54 with wire M31.

Valve solenoids of V15 of unit J and V25 of unit K connect with wire M75 and through switch M58 With wire M51.

Valve solenoid V25 of unit J connects with wire M75 and through switch M25 with wire M24.

As is customary, a conventional transformer T (Fig. 1) and a weld timer contactor unit D of conventional character (Figs. 1 and 28) are associated with the welding unit D and operatively connected, as shown in Fig. 28, for controlling the electrical operation of the welding unit. The electric energy employed for welding the struts tothe wires W, W is of a potential of 440 volts from transformer T direct to the two electrodes D4, D4 through conductors D31, D51, the circuit being completed through said conductors, said electrodes and the interposed work and output terminals of the transformer (not shown). Contactor unit D operates on a potential of volts as serves the purpose of timing the welding intervals, as is well known in the welding art.

Wires M55 and M54. lead rom unit D to terminals M55 and M55, respectively, of double coil relay R for supplying energy to one of its coils while wires M75 and M57 connect with terminals M55 and M59, respectively, of its other coil.

It may be understood that the welding circuit is substantially standard and includes well known units for controlling the application of energy to the welding electrodes and is not, therefore, in such respects a part of this invention. Also, the controls for synchronizing the welder with the other units of the machine in order to keep the welding unit in step with the other units, while operating automatically, include the relays R and R connected as shown, or otherwise, with the welding unit with the stepping switches through wires M75 and M77 to relay R and thence through wires M73 and M57 to relay R. By reason of said connections, when cycle stepping switch M advances to third position, the circuit of relay R is closed and current flows from terminal M75 of switch M through wires M75, M72, solenoid V11, wire M71, M72, relay R, armature 1', thereby completingthe welding circuit composed of wires M55 and M51 which lead to a welding to line M114.

, l7 circuit control unit (not shown), but conventionally connected with unit D. Then energy is supplied to relay R through wires M99 and M04, thereby closing armature switch 2* and through a wire M92, and switch M90, wire M92 and switch M10 to power line M1, thence through wire M71 to solenoid V11. Thus, through operation of solenoid V11, fluid is supplied to cylinders D2, D2 of unit D which extends the electrodes D4, D4 into operative position on the work. When cycle stepping switch M again moves to the fourth and final step of each cycle, the circuit of relays R and R are opened and all units retract in readiness for a succeeding cycle.

Usually, switches M and M are arranged with banks of arcuate contacts and common con-centric rotatable wipers for consecutive operations of desired number for making and breaking the circuits of different units.

For instance, the row of terminals of switch M including M35, M39, M23, M49, etc., and a par- ,allel row of contacts M94, M94, etc, are correspondingly arranged and adapted to be bridged by a wiper. Similarly, two rows of contacts M95, M95, etc., and M90, M96, etc., are likewise bridged by a wiper for operating the units in sequence, step-by-step in each cycle.

The selector stepping switch M has parallel rows of bridged contacts M97-M9s and M99M10o and M101-M102 while a manually operable selector M103 has bridged rows of contacts M104 M105 and corresponding connections M109, M100, etc., between contacts M102 and M104. The number, of contacts in each row of switch M is influenced by the number of steps in each cycle and the number of contacts in each row of switch M is influenced by the maximum number of cycles in each stud making operation, As shown, each cycle includes four steps except the final cycle which has a fifth step for cutting off a completed stud having sixteen struts and fifteen bays, hence each switch M and selector M103 has contacts for sixteen cycles."

The bank of contacts M94 commonly connect by a wire M'107with a terminal M108 of an electronic relay unit M109 while the bank of contacts vM commonly connect by a wire M110 with a homing relay R1 and therethrough by a wire M111 with an armature switch M112 which closes the circuit of a wire M113 commonly connected with the bank of contacts M of selector M103.

The bank of contacts M96 of switch M are commonly connected by a wire M114 first with a stepping relay M115 and a homing relay M in sequence, then by a branch M117 with a stepping relay R2, thence through said relay by a wire M112 with the bank of contacts M97 of switch M. Wire M114 leads to one terminal of rectifier M0 "ii 11199 1111 contact bank M 7 and when energized,

its armature r2 closes a line M121 leading back A single toggle switch m121 adapted for manually operating the stepping switches M and M has a connection M122 with an armature switch r4 actuated by relay R2 and through the switch m121 has a line M129 leading to an arma ture swi ch 1'5 actuated by relay R1 for controlling the interconnection between relay R1, switch m121 and a double toggle switch M12 which is manually operable for having both stepping switches M and M. To such end, switch M124 is connected at M125 with Wire M120 and by Wire M126 and armature switches 12 with switch M121 through wire M123, stepping relay M with wire M123 and homing relay M119 connects with wire M125.

Wire M114 connects by wire M with a relay M127 of selector switch M and by a wire M120 with contacts M101 under control of an interposed switch M129 in line M128. Certain contacts M95 of switch M are connected with contacts M99 of switch M by a wire M130.

A power cut off relay R6 is interposed between rectifier M0 and relay R2 and receives energy through a wire M191 leading from wire M114 and relay R0 is connected by a wire M131 and a line M134 through armature switch 1'4 with switches M121 and M124. Relay R0 actuates an armature switch r7 which controls a line including a wire M132 leading from a terminal M135 and. a line M139 leading to switch M9. Terminal M136 of unit M109 connects with wire M137 leading from power line M1 and wire M7 connects at M127 with rectifier Ms. 2

A wire M139 connects armature switch T5 with terminal M139 of unit M109. A wire M140 connects terminal M141 of unit M109 with wire M119 to the rectifier. A wire M142 connects terminal M143 of unit M109 with switches r4, M124 and wire M122 which leads to switch can. A wire M144 connects terminal M145 with relay Re which is also connected by wire M131 With wire M144. Wire M114 has a branch M147 leading to terminal M140 of unit M109.

Unit M109 controls the operation of relays R1, R2 and Rs in such a manner as to prevent the skipping of a step of a cycle and also the premature institution of a step before the completion of a preceding step. Relay M1 5 of switch M eiiects the institution of successive steps of each cycle and the relay M110 of switch M retracts switch M to home or starting position at the end of each cycle and also at the end of a predetermined number of cycles as determined by the selector switch M.

It may be here repeated that a normal cycle includes but four steps and the number of cycles varies in accordance with the manual setting of selector M103 to produce studs S of a desired number of spacers and intermediate bays, and

5 upon application of a final spacer, the cycle during which the final spacer was appliedwould include six steps. The two added steps of such final cycle would, in turn, operate and retract the shearing unit E. Relay M127 of selector switch M serves to step said switchprogressively at the end of each cycle and said switch is restored to home or starting position by relay R2. Switch M can bemanually stepped, but the switch M can not be manually operated, however switch M through selector M103 is arranged to be manually set prior to the beginning of a series of operations to correspond to the number of bays in proposed studs and the corresponding number of spacer applying cycles.

At any point in a cycle switch M may be manually operated provided switch M is first opened in order to remedy skips or to otherwise synmembers.

cutting or transferunitsare out of time, or for any reason spacers are not being. moved in regula-r succession to the welding unit, switch M xis-opened, switch Meois adjusted to spacer only position, andswitchMw isthen turned to automatic-position. Then when aspacer has arrived .at a desired position, switch Minis opened, switch ;M60 is adjusted to stud position, and switch M10 is again adjusted to: automatic position and-con- -tinuous synchronous operation iszresumed.

In operation, when the main switch is closed for supplying electric current from a source to ;;the elements of the several units, as shown in x-thecircuit diagram and air and; fluid pressure i have been established in the hydraulic and compressed systems as disclosed the machine is set for-continuous operation. Reels of wire-are arranged for supplying wires W,W and W through ';the straightening-units and thence through the ,feedinguni-ts B and H are advanced intermittently, stepby-step at regularly timed intervals foruniform distances after having been initially advanced manually to pre-establishedpoints of beginning. Parallel sections of wires W, W and uniform-cut sections of wire W have a common point of stoppage at the welding unit D. Following a welding operation, the then joined mem- ,bers. are advanced throughshearing position in successive, steps until a predetermined number of spacers have been affixed to the longitudinal Under control of selector switch M, the unit E becomes operative for cutting the longitudinal members from wires W, W in the then fifth step of a final cycle of operation and the ensuing sixth step retracts all then ,unretracted units,-if any, tooriginal' Vhome .or start- :ing positions'preparatory to the beginning of the first stepof the first cycle of another stud forming series. Allof the control switches are mounted on a panel for ready access sov that a switch may be actuated for effecting.bothindependent manualand automatic, operation of the units collectively.

The electrical. hookup is such that either an operative or a retractive movement of some-units will energize the solenoid-and open the fluid valve of a succeeding unit and thereby-eifect the application of fluid-pressur .(either liquid or air) to and for operating the'units progressively.

The essence of the invention is in theprovvision of a plurality of units in procession for performing different operations upon and for moving certain strands of, wire longitudinally and at least another strand of wiretransversely cutting thetransversely, moved wire into uniform sections, moving. the sections intermittently to a com-monjunction with the welder and weldingthe same to the longitudinal wires, and finally ,cuttingthe thus prefabricated members into sections of uniform length for use.

I claim:

'1.v In a machine arranged to intermittently ,movea pair of wires in a longitudinal path and a'third wire in a relatively right angular path from separate sources to a common welding po- "sition: a shearing unit, transfer means for feeding uniform sections of said third wire from said shearing unit to a predetermined transfer position, a welding unit disposed inthe paths of said .pair of-wires and of said sections, and a unit for deliveringthe sections of said third wire in single file and in succession from said transfer posi- ,tion and for depositing said sections in position in the welding unit between the longitudinal .wires and connections between said units and a source of power for efiectingtheirloperation in sequence, to provide a fabricatedbuildingmemher, said machine including means for applying fluid pressure to the sections .of said, third wire to effect their intermittent delivery to-thereceiving means therefor, said delivery. unit. being fluidoperated and including apair of elements for arresting the progress of a sectiontoward the welding unit at successive stages and simuldelivering the sections of said third wire in single file and in succession from said transfer position for depositing said sections in transverse positions in the welding unit between the longitudinal wires, to provide a fabricated building member and connections between said units and a source of power for effecting their operation in sequence, said transfer means including a laterally shiftable carrier, said delivery unit including a tube offset from the plane of said third wire and positioned ahead of said shearingunit, and fluid operated means for shifting said carrier between shearing and transfer positions and for impelling the cut sections from sheared position to position for delivery to welding'position, in succession.

3. In a machine arranged to intermittently move a pair of wires in a longitudinal path and a third wire in a relatively right angular path from separate sources to a common welding position: a shearing unit, transfer means for feeding uniform sections of said third wire from said shearingunit to a predetermined transfer position, a

welding unit disposed in-thepaths ofsaid pair of wires and of said sections, and a unit for delivering the sections of said thirdwire in single file and in succession from said transfer position and for depositing said sections in position in the welding unit between the longitudinal wires, to provide a fabricated building member and connections between said units and a source of power for effecting their operation in sequence, said transfer means including a laterally shiftable carrier, said delivery unit including a tube offset from the plane of said wire and positioned ahead of said shearing unit, and fluid operated means for shifting said carrier between shearing and transfer positions and for impelling'the out sections from sheared position to position for delivery to welding position, in succession, said carrier including a holder. for the cut sections and disposed in a plane offset from the welding unit, and a delivery unit arranged tov receive and discharge said sections to the welding unit and to deposit .said sections crosswise of and in the common plane of saidpair of wires whereby upon actuation of the welding .unit said sections will be butt welded to said pair of wires at uniformly spaced points.

OTTO HOWARD LUCY.

(References on following page) 

